Bacteriasptaerobecultorg3
A laboratory test that detects and identifies aerobic bacteria in a sputum sample to diagnose respiratory infections.
{"This test identifies harmful bacteria causing lung or respiratory infections","A sputum sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for culture and analysis","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotics for treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17894-7
- Short code
- SPRC3
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Spt Aerobe Cult org #3
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- sputum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, wide-mouth container with screw-cap lid (e.g., 50 mL sterile specimen cup). BACTEC blood culture bottles may be used for select situations.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 119376003
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of sputum (minimum 1 mL); deep cough specimen preferred over saliva. Expectorated sputum should be evaluated by Gram stain for adequacy (Bartlett's criteria: <10 squamous epithelial cells and >25 leukocytes per low-power field).
- Stability
- Room temperature: process within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerated (2-8°C): stable up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. If delayed transport, use transport medium (e.g., Amies or Stuart's medium).
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The sputum bacterial culture test is a laboratory procedure that detects and identifies aerobic (oxygen-requiring) bacteria present in a sputum sample. Sputum is the mucus and other material coughed up from the lungs and airways. This test helps healthcare providers determine if a bacterial infection is causing your respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will collect a sputum sample, typically in the morning before eating or drinking. You will be asked to rinse your mouth with water, then take a deep breath and cough forcefully to bring up sputum from your lungs. The sample is placed in a sterile container and sent to a laboratory where it is cultured (grown) on special media to allow bacteria to multiply and be identified.
What do the results mean?
If bacteria are found and identified, the test result will show which specific bacteria are causing your infection. The laboratory may also perform antibiotic sensitivity testing (susceptibility testing) to determine which antibiotics will be most effective against the identified bacteria. If no pathogenic bacteria are grown, it may indicate that your infection is viral or that the sample was contaminated.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Patient should rinse mouth with water prior to collection to reduce contamination by oral flora. Avoid eating, drinking, or using mouthwash for at least 1 hour before specimen collection. Collect specimen before initiating antibiotic therapy when possible, or document recent antibiotic use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
What happens if no bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy